I’m the classic weekend warrior. I only have one day a week to get out and make mountaineering magic happen. Though there is a ridiculous number of opportunities on Vancouver Island for outdoor adventure, Phil and I are exhausting the climbs that are possible to do as day hikes. Phil …

Highway 14 features some of the bushiest alpine routes on Vancouver Island. Phil Stone even mentions the region in his list of the Island’s best bushwhacks, though this particular route doesn’t make the list. Because the area is not protected by any special status, most of it has been logged. …

Vancouver Island, home to forest giants and cold oceans is often overlooked for its alpine opportunities. A favourite feature of the high alpine is the chance to strap on crampons and walk the many pocket glaciers and snowfields. However, the changing environment means that glacier walking on Vancouver Island may …

I had an incredible summer full of back country adventures in the mountains, and on the ocean. With the summer well behind me I’m back at work waist deep in students and the daily grind of the job. Adding insult to injury, I’m a student again, retraining myself in the …

Elkhorn and Elkhorn South Mountains overlook the Elk River Valley, inside Strathcona Park on Vancouver Island. Elkhorn is easily identifiable by its classic Matterhorn shape, making it distinct in the Strathcona landscape. At 2,194 metres, Elkhorn is the second tallest peak on Vancouver Island. Of note, it is one of …

It isn’t often that I am able to take time to go camping in the middle of the week. I made a smart decision and took time off work to join in on adventure, a trip up a never-before-summitted mountain. June 8, 9 and 10th, I joined four other hikers. …

View from below Black Cat Mountain looking East to Capes Ridge Comox Glacier has taunted since before I knew its name. Driving up Island past Comox and Courtenay it looms on the western horizon. When Phil approached me about doing a two day trip up to the glacier I jumped …

Not every mountaineering adventure ends on a summit. Actually I suppose no hike should end on a summit, unless your flying off… To kick off March, Phil, Mat Light attempted a popular alpine route, one many other hikers are doing doing recently; Triple Peak. We were inspired to give …